A Simple Method for Reconstruction of the Temporalis Muscle Using Contourable Strut Plate after Pterional Craniotomy: Introduction of the Surgical Techniques and Analysis of Its Efficacy

OBJECTIVE: Pterional craniotomy (PC) using myocutaneous (MC) flap is a simple and efficient technique; however, due to subsequent inferior displacement (ID) of the temporalis muscle, it can cause postoperative deformities of the muscle such as depression along the inferior margin of the temporal line of the frontal bone (DTL) and muscular protrusion at the inferior portion of the temporal fossa (PITF). Herein, we introduce a simple method for reconstruction of the temporalis muscle using a contourable strut plate (CSP) and evaluate its efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients at follow-ups between January 2014 and October 2014 after PCs were enrolled in this study. Their postoperative deformities of the temporalis muscle including ID, DTL, and PITF were evaluated. These PC cases using MC flap were classified according to two groups; one with conventional technique without CSP (MC Only) and another with reconstruction of the temporalis muscle using CSP (MC + CSP). Statistical analyses were performed for comparison between the two groups. RESULTS: Lower incidences of ID of the muscle (p < 0.001), DTL (p < 0.001), and PITF (p = 0.001) were observed in the MC + CSP than in the MC Only group. The incidence of acceptable outcome was markedly higher in the MC + CSP group (p < 0.001). ID was regarded as a causative factor for DTL and PITF (p < 0.001 in both). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the temporalis muscle using CSP after MC flap is a simple and efficient technique, which provides an outstanding outcome in terms of anatomical restoration of the temporalis muscle.

Lytic Complications after Skull Reconstruction Using GeneX(R) / 대한신경손상학회지

Multiple methods and materials are available for bone defect reconstruction. Bone graft substitute is one of the materials used for reconstruction of bone defect and have been widely used recently. This report describes some cases about complications related to GeneX(R) which is introduced as mixture of calcium sulfate and beta-tricalcium phosphate at manufacturer's official web site. It informed of 3 patients who suffered wound inflammation, serous cyst after using GeneX(R) for reconstructing skull defect.